In recent years there’s been a tremendous growth in the popularity of upcycling and DIY that has led more and more people to explore the idea of producing or recycling their own products at home.
Perhaps in reaction to our somewhat throwaway culture or a growing awareness of the climate emergency that faces our planet, crafting, carpentry and DIY have become more mainstream of late – fuelled, in no small part, by increased media coverage of the skills and techniques involved.
Getting started with DIY or carpentry
As with most areas of life, preparation is the key to success, and doing a little background learning and research will go a long way to improving your abilities. That said, no budding carpenter or DIYer will get very far without investing in the right kit, so below is a guide to five essential tools you should consider buying.
Tape measure
Almost without exception, whatever you intend to make will require knowing the precise measurements of the materials you need to use. Consequently, investing in a quality tape measure should be your starting point for any project. These small, inexpensive tools are invaluable when it comes to any kind of DIY or carpentry work. Ideally, look for a retractable model with a belt clip for easier access, and that has both imperial and metric measurements.
Hammers
Hammers come in a range of sizes and weights, so, depending on the type of work you’re doing, you may want to invest in a set to cover all potential uses. You should also note, if you’re just beginning your carpentry journey, it’s advisable to start with a smaller, lighter model initially.
Engraving tools or machines
If you want to add a truly personal touch to your work, at some point, you’re going to want to include engravings or etchings on the products you make. Engraving tools can be cumbersome and tricky to use – particularly if you’re just starting out – so instead, you should consider buying a wood engraving machine. These multifunctional devices could see you etching patterns, designs, messages or the initials of someone special into your work to give that truly customised feel – perfect if you’re looking to give special gifts to loved ones.
Toolboxes and belts
There’s nothing worse than going to find a piece of equipment or tool only to find you’ve misplaced it. Investing in a quality toolbox will save you hunting around for the tools you need, plus help keep things organised. A quality toolbox also makes moving your tools around considerably easier.
Also, you should think about investing in a tool belt – especially useful for those jobs where you’re frequently changing location, i.e., in home improvement tasks where you might frequently move room to room.
Spirit level aka bubble level
A spirit level (often called a bubble level) will prove invaluable for jobs where you need to ensure surfaces are flat, for example, putting up shelves or making frames. If you want to up your game, you could alternatively look at buying a more modern laser level tool – although these are considerably more expensive than traditional models.
